 A form of nuclear cell division that creates 4 haploid cells from one diploid cell. This process occurs in the gametes (sex cells)  Involves 2 rounds of cell division— meiosis I and II

 Homologous chromosomes are 2 separate chromosomes- 1 from mom and 1 from dad. They are similar, but not identical  Sister chromatids are the duplicated chromosomes that remain attached

 Prophase I: Nuclear membrane breaks down, and homologous chromosomes pair up. Crossing over occurs by chromosomes exchanging DNA (part of mom’s chromosome breaks off and attaches to dad’s and vice versa).  Metaphase I: Homologous chromosomes pair up and are randomly lined up along the middle of the cell (this creates genetic diversity)

 Anaphase I: Paired homologous chromosomes separate from each other and move toward opposite ends of the cell  Telophase I: The cell has chromosomes at each pole, and then the cell undergoes cytokinesis (split into 2 cells). --Result is 2 cells that have a unique combination of duplicated chromosomes from both parents

 Prophase II: Nuclear membrane breaks down, centrioles move to opposite ends  Metaphase II: The chromosomes are aligned at the cell’s equator. *Each chromosome still has 2 sister chromatids*

 Anaphase II: Sister chromatids are pulled apart and move to opposite ends of the cell  Telophase II: Nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes and the cell undergoes cytokinesis. End result is 4 haploid cells with a combination of chromosomes from both mom and dad